Jennifer Vehia Wheeler was born and raised in Waiau, central Oʻahu, but has roots in Afareaitu, Moʻorea, and California. Vehia has researched Pacific Island studies and political science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and loves talking about politics and cultures of the Pacific. She is proud to call Hawaiʻi home and is dedicated to community work in the Islands.